Senators: Sticky Fingers

A lot has been said about how to fix the senate. From abolishing it to filling positions through elections and creating committees to oversee the appointments, there are those that think any one of these changes will provide what is needed. From my perspective, this is less about process and more about having a system of checks and balances that keeps the “entitlement” syndrome from taking root. As this syndrome permeates all sectors of our society, we should resist the temptation to heap all the blame on the senate. The senate just happens to be the group currently under the spotlight. You don’t have to look very far to find other questionable situations.

With few exceptions, most people can fall victim to the “entitlement” syndrome. While people will never hesitate to tell you they are overworked and/or underpaid, have you ever heard anyone say they are overpaid? How many people can look in the mirror and say they have never exaggerated an expense claim? The housing allowance claimed by Senators Duffy and Brazeau are but one example. Duffy states his request was approved. That should not be the focus. The issue is that Duffy submitted a claim when he ought to have known, if he was really honest with himself, that he did not merit. The person that allegedly approved it was no better. They probably felt that seeing there were others with questionable expense claims, who were they to challenge Duffy’s submission.

Duffy, Wallin and Brazeau are certainly not the only senators that have taken advantage of the public purse. They probably believe that they did not swindle any money from the Canadian taxpayer. If their actions were motivated by the ‘entitlement’ syndrome, which I believe they were, then someone needs to ensure the purse strings are under closer scrutiny. It is unfortunate Prime Minister Stephen Harper appears to have overlooked the obvious remedy for these sticky fingers.